(Chadron)-Although the area just got done with a round of snow storms, its not too early to be thinking about severe thunderstorms. Each year, the National Weather Service local offices present spotter training courses for those who wish to become more educated on severe spring and summer storms. A class will be held in Chadron in March.

John Griffith with the Cheyenne office of the NWS presents the classes, which take approximately 2 hours. Other locations are also being scheduled in the Panhandle at various times and locations. The Chadron training will be held on Tuesday, March 19, beginning at 6 pm at City Hall in downtown Chadron.

As always, classes are free of charge and open to the public. Those in attendance are encouraged to bring a notebook and pen to take notes. A spotter training guide is available online at www.noaa.gov. Click the link at the end of this story for direct access. It is in PDF format, and can be printed out for anyone who would wish to have a hard copy.

Although Chadron seems to be sheltered for the most part from severe storms, there are some systems that make their way around the ridge, and if people travel to other areas, this training can help people recognize what they are seeing when severe weather hits.